This annotated version of Ginsberg's classic is the poet's own re-creation of the revolutionary work's composition process, along with anecdotes and an intimate look at the poet's writing techniques.

Reprint. Originally published: New York: Harper & Row, 1986. "50th anniversary edition"--Cover.

Author's preface: reader's guide --A note on the manuscript / -- HOWL: final text, 1986 -- HOWL: for Carl Solomon -- Original drafts: selected facsimiles and transcripts -- Carl Solomon speaks -- Author's annotations -- Appendix I: Contemporaneous correspondence & poetic reactions -- Appendix II: First reading at the Six Gallery, October 7, 1955 announcement postcard, 1955 -- Appendix III: Legal history of HOWL -- Appendix IV: Model texts: inspirations precursor to HOWL -- Appendix V: Bibliography of HOWL / by Bill Morgan.